ARMM won't cancel meeting with Robredo

By Lerio Bompat, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Officials of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are praying for the safe rescue of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who was involved in a plane crash Saturday afternoon.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman was set to meet with Robredo this Tuesday for a peace and order council meeting with Basilan Province officials.

Hataman said he will not cancel the meeting as they still believe Robredo will be rescued.

Robredo was on board a small Piper aircraft when it crashed into the sea off Masbate City Saturday afternoon.

The plane was carrying Robredo, his aide and two pilots. It crashed 150-meters away from the Masbate airport while attempting to make an emergency landing.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing. ARMM officials have urged their people to continue praying for Robredo.

Meanwhile, thousand of Islam believers flocked in three venues in Cotabato City for the congregational prayer to celebrate Eid’l Fit’r, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The city hall grounds, Central Pilot School and ARMM grounds were the venues for the prayer.